Nitwits: If Head Lice Hits Our House, I Am So Going Here

So far (knock on wood) we have not experienced head lice in our household. If we ever do, I likely won't blog about it anyway, out of respect for my children's privacy.

But man, if one of my girls ever gets it, I will totally be banging down the door of Nitwits...which I just heard about today! Here's their press release:

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Head lice removal clinic, first of its kind to open its doors in North Toronto


It is a lousy job, but someone has to do it!

It’s that time of year again: the back-to-school season when parents brace for homework, teacher meetings and, yep, lice. Fortunately, Nitwits Toronto Lice Clinic, North Toronto’s first one-stop shop for lice treatment, prevention and education, opened its doors, Monday, September 10th.

Why waste time combing the city for ineffective, off-the-shelf lice kits? At Nitwits Toronto Lice Clinic, our highly trained professionals will provide accurate diagnoses and swift removal of head lice in a private and professional environment. The clinic features superior lighting, hydraulic chairs and TVs at each station for your comfort and convenience.

Shawnda Walker, Founder and Chief Nitwit, is the first Canadian certified by The Shepherd Institute – a research, education and lice removal treatment centre. Our professionally trained staff utilize The Shepherd Method™ of Strand by Strand Nit Removal. We take the time to remove nits properly from each and every strand of hair. Furthermore, our non-toxic products are designed to help facilitate lice removal. Our services are guaranteed!

“People want a safe and comfortable setting for the efficient treatment of head lice,” says Shawnda Walker. “Nitwits Lice Clinic is a natural extension of my two years’ of helping families deal with head lice and providing home services to across the GTA”

Head lice are more common than you think. In fact, nearly 10% of students contract lice at one time or another. Unfortunately, many of these cases go unreported because of the social stigma surrounding these pesky insects. That’s why Nitwits Lice Clinic is a place where people are encouraged to talk openly about lice. We also work with students, parents and school staff to provide proper education on prevention and treatment strategies.

Go to www.nitwits.ca for more information.

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Disclosure: I'm just sharing this information out of the goodness of my heart. But I'm also hoping that if I ever need them, they'll do me a favour! :-)

How To Save an iPod That's Been Through the Washing Machine

Let's cut to the chase here: an iPod went through the laundry at the Winn house just recently, unnoticed until the wet clothes were pulled out of the washing machine. Whose was it? Now that doesn't really matter, does it?

I didn't even try to turn it on, which is VERY important (I know this because I have looked up the same information as it relates to Blackberrys, just in case the unimaginable ever happens to me). Apparently trying to operate it while it's wet causes the device to short-circuit and you're out of luck permanently. You also should NOT plug it into the charger while wet.

The most popular online suggestion was to put the iPod in a bag of rice, sealed tightly, which is exactly what I did. (Of course our pantry is stocked only with Minute Rice, but it didn't work any faster. Ha ha.) I left it for about five days, forgetting to change the rice every 24 hours as recommended.

When I finally braced myself and turned it on, of course nothing happened because the battery was dead. I plugged it into my computer and got a message on the laptop screen saying that the USB device had malfunctioned and the computer didn't recognize it. However - the low battery sign popped up (looking normal) on the iPod screen so I held out hope.

I left it to charge, and after about an hour I attempted to turn it on and play it and...HALLELUJAH!

Obviously I can't guarantee these results for anyone else, but I know for sure this iPod was completely immersed in water for the length of a cold permapress cycle and is now back in perfect working condition with all data still on it.

I hope this can help someone else...or perhaps inspire you to train all family members to check pockets before throwing laundry in the washing machine. That would be even more efficient.

P.S. Since originally writing and scheduling this post, the iPod user has discovered that our solution wasn't perfect, as he/she (not to implicate the negligent pocket-checker) has detected an issue with the volume...in that once the volume is raised, it cannot be lowered. Oh well, at least it's still usable.

Yeah, I'm In the Right Job

It was Friday afternoon at 3:05. My students had their planners done, chairs up and were more than ready for the weekend. We still had a few minutes to kill before the bell, so I called them to their special spots on the carpet, sat down in my rocking chair and cracked open Roald Dahl's "Fantastic Mr. Fox".

I began reading, getting more and more into the story as I went along. At one point, I glanced out at my eight and nine year old audience and saw 21 criss-cross-applesauce-sitting bodies leaning forward and 21 pairs of wide eyes fixed right on me. There were even a few mouths hanging open. No fidgeting, no whispering, no nudging. No eyes on the window, door or clock. How could I possibly be playing a role in such rapture and captivation?

I could hardly keep my voice from catching as I returned to the story, so I stopped right there. "Boys and girls," I said, "When I just looked out and saw the expressions on all of your faces, you reminded me right then and there that I should never doubt that I'm in the right job."

After a momentary pause, the story continued and soon enough the bell rang. Whether any of my students are thinking about Mr. Fox this weekend, I'll probably never know. But I'm thinking about them, with tears in my eyes again as I write this.

Who cares about split-grade Math, standardized test scores and winter yard duty? Well, I do, but it's all worth it. Every last bit.

How lucky am I?

Dr. Marla & Friends Premieres Sept 24 on CTV News Channel

As a fan of Dr. Marla (I always have a soft spot for my Momterview subjects, and was excited to meet her in person on the set of Canada AM this summer) I'm pleased to share this recent release from CTV News:

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CTV News announced today the launch of DR. MARLA and FRIENDS, a new, half-hour national series airing Mondays at 7:30 p.m. ET beginning Sept. 24 on CTV News Channel. The show’s fresh, interactive format provides viewers a weekly house call with one of Canada’s most recognized health and medical experts, Dr. Marla Shapiro, looking at the most timely, current and news-driven medical topics and stories.

“This show is about taking charge of your health and incorporating any expertise you can to improve your life,” said Dr. Marla. “My aim with this show is to arm viewers with information so they can make wiser choices, take the confusion out of medical matters, and offer a point of contact for people with questions.”

“Our aim with DR. MARLA AND FRIENDS is to address the collective health and medical needs of viewers in a meaningful and accessible way,”said Jack Fleischmann, Vice-President, CTV News Channel and General Manager, BNN.

DR. MARLA AND FRIENDS also airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. ET on CTV News Channel, and weekends on CTV (check local listings).

Dr. Marla’s warm yet no-nonsense approach to medical and health care matters takes the confusion, mystery and fear out of topics that for many can be intimidating and in some cases, downright frightening. Each week, DR. MARLA AND FRIENDS tackles everything from diabetes, diet plans and exercise to eye disease, BOTOX and back pain. Dr. Marla draws upon the expertise of featured guests from the health community to debunk medical myths and debate the controversial issues that matter to you. No matter how big or small the question, Dr. Marla and her team have viewers covered.

Dr. Marla’s practical advice and dynamic approach to health care makes her a unique go-to source for medical inquiries. Viewers have access to the internationally acclaimed Dr. Marla’s medical and health care insights to address their specific situations. DR. MARLA AND FRIENDS features special segments including ‘Medical Misinformation', which offers an up-close look at a specific health care matter and helps sort the fiction from the facts; and a weekly segment ‘The Panel’, that features a round table of physicians discussing a specific health and wellness issue. And each week, the show connects with people in the community, offering them an opportunity to pose a health-related question.

Since 2000, viewers across Canada have tuned in to see Dr. Marla as CANADA AM’s Health and Medical Expert. Each week, Dr. Marla brings the latest medical news as well as practical advice to keep the entire family healthy on Canada’s #1 morning show.In addition, Dr. Marla is seen on CTV NEWS CHANNEL and as the medical consultant on CTV NATIONAL NEWS.

Wednesday Words: What Will You Be?

"It is never too late to be what you might have been."


George Eliot

Our Backyard Reno (Pool and Deck) Phase Three

Perhaps you've been along for the ride as I've shared Phase One and Phase Two of our backyard reno: the deck extension and addition, the above-ground-decked-to-look-in-ground pool, the hot tub, and all related details.

In the final (for now) instalment of this series, I bring you this year's finishing touches for our huge venture.

You may remember the gazebo we put up above our seating area in July:

Yeah, well, it's gone. In fact, within a matter of days the torrential winds and rains of the summer (yes, I'm being sarcastic) had done a number on the piece of junk  item. We returned home after being out one evening and one of the support beams was so bent that it appeared as if someone had actually been hanging off it (perhaps the babysitter needed a place to do chin-ups while we were gone?) and random pieces of metal were twisted, mangled, and practically detached.

What I can say is that I was extremely impressed when Home Depot agreed to refund our money (hey, we'd only had the product for a couple of weeks).

We decided that we didn't want to keep assembling and replacing gazebos (especially considering the crazy weather we actually do get in the winter up on our hill), so back to the drawing board for my Dad and uncle, who came up with this amazing pergola (sheets of lattice provide the shade on top, and they designed ingenious tracks so the sheets can easily slide out for the winter and be returned in the spring).

And finally, what I think is one of the best features of the whole project, the pool house created by my brother's carpenter friend:

At the moment, it is home to the big bin of patio cushions and all of the pool and hot tub chemicals. Until the windows are covered, we don't actually expect anyone to "disrobe" in there, but starting next year it will be a very convenient changeroom, hopefully reducing the number of trips wet little feet take down the hardwood hallway.

Thinking ahead for next year:

• Plants: we'll want lots of pots, and perhaps planters hanging off the railing in various locations
• Pool house: how to finish/decorate the interior, how to separate the storage from the changing area, what to use for window coverings
• Stain: yikes, I don't even want to think about how long it will take to stain all that wood....
• Doors: I think I'd like to do the French doors to the house and the pool house door black
• Light fixtures: replace the old white ones with new (black?) which point down, as one light is partially blocked by the pergola structure
• Pray for the summer to be as pool-worthy as this one has been!

My Top 5 "New Year's" Blogging Resolutions

In June, I decided I was going to quit the blog. And my book club. Maybe even cut off all friendships, sell my house and quit my job. Teachers should not make major life decisions in the month of June.

Thankfully with the mind-clearing holidays behind me, I have the perspective (and rest) needed to make more rational decisions.

To start with, I will not be quitting the blog any time soon. However, there are a lot of other things I will not be doing, as they relate to the blog, which I am listing here as my "New Year's" resolutions. (Anyone who works in education knows that January 1st means nothing. Labour Day kicks off the New Year.)

1. I am not going to feel pressured to write any more frequently than I can handle. Twice a week seems to work well for me, but I am fairly confident that if I drop it to once, or (heaven forbid) go a week without posting, none of your lives are really going to be affected. If any of you are actually thrown into the depths of despair when you must suffer through a few days without This Mom Loves, please let me know, as that would make my day. Quality is much more important than quantity, and family time needs to come first, with career second. Sleep slides in there as a close third. Blogging is simply my (amazing, rewarding, fulfilling, taxing and draining) hobby.

2. I will not follow back just to be nice. I just can't keep track of who my new blog/Twitter followers and Facebook likers are, and to try to track them down to reciprocate is impossible. However, I will certainly check out those who actually send me a message with that request. Sometimes there are new Canadian mom bloggers trying to get known out there (or people who are sincerely interested in having me in their circles), and I'd love to support them. Followers who have no interest in me or my blog and are just looking for followbacks to boost their numbers will have to look elsewhere.

3. I will, however, follow the trail of those who take the effort to leave genuine comments on my blog. (And by "genuine", I mean comments not referring to cash loans, erectile dysfunction medication or porn.) When a blogger leaves a comment, 99 % of the time I will return to her blog and reciprocate. If the home page is completely full of giveaways with nowhere for me to share, though, it won't happen.

4. I will continue to crack down on the PR end of things. I've mentioned before that I love having reviews and giveaways incorporated into the more "editorial" material here at This Mom Loves, but man - I don't know how some people run several giveaways a day! I also don't know why on earth some want to spend the time crafting a post for a $3 product, and I make enough at my day job that I'm not interested in cash compensation for writing about something I don't believe in. I updated my "PR Friendly" page to reflect the fact that I would prefer to be contacted only for review/giveaway opportunities, as you'd be amazed at the e-mails I receive (about a dozen per day) with lengthy press releases for (usually) American companies, with absolutely nothing in it for me. Perhaps they think I should feel lucky to be able to publish their advertising for free?

Finally,

5. I will remember that I am blogging for me. It's supposed to be a fun, door-opening venture (which my many celeb interviews and behind-the-scenes experiences can attest to) and it doesn't really matter what my stats are or how many people are commenting. (You lurkers out there know who you are! Help a girl out once in a while, would you?) I stay "vanilla" enough not to attract many haters, which is a wonderful thing as I abhor conflict, but I know my cautiousness also prevents any of my work from "going viral". I need to remind myself that it doesn't matter.

So, for this "New Year", I will forge ahead with my multifaceted hobby...and I'm glad that (at least for this second in time) you're here with me!

New Balance Kids Collection

This summer, New Balance released their 689 Kids Collection of shoes, in kid-friendly colours with traditional New Balance quality and fit, made of a mix of leather and mesh upper, Abzorb cushioning and a non-marking, rubber cup outsole.

My six year old daughter was lucky enough to receive a pair for review, which have become her "outdoor shoes" (although with non-marking soles, they would be perfect for indoors as well).

The shoes are very attractive, and I was relieved that her size (2) came in a velcro style. We've worked on the lace-tying thing, but when kids have to take their shoes on and off so many times during the school day, velcro is easier (on them, and whatever adult helps them prepare for outdoors).

Tip: The last pair of outdoors she had came with regular laces, so we picked up some "Quick Snaps" (see below) to convert them.



Frannie's review of her new New Balances:

"They feel really soft inside and they're pretty useful for a lot of kids for running and jumping and stuff. You should have good shoes like this because if you're in school you need them for all the running. You can't wear sandals or party shoes. The N is sparkly but it's hard to notice. The colours are really bright. If you don't know how to tie your shoes you don't have to with these shoes and you can get them on and off fast."

Time will tell how well these will hold up, but knowing they're New Balance does give me peace of mind that they'll be good for her feet and likely last long enough to be handed down to Maggie. (Poor Maggie, always getting the hand-me-downs!)
MSRP: $39.95 (infant/pre-school) to $54.95 (youth).

Disclosure: I was provided with a pair of shoes for review purposes. Opinions are, as always, my own.